May 20, Day 329 – Pungo River to Alligator River

We were up fairly early this morning, had breakfast, raised the anchor and were on our way by 8:00. The first part of our journey today was through the Pungo River-Alligator River Canal. This is a canal that was dug to connect – what else, the Pungo River and the Alligator River. It was a straight line for 27 miles. You had to be careful not to stray from the middle of the channel as there were many fallen trees and snags on both sides. After the canal we entered the Alligator River and made our way to the Alligator River Marina. It was pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but it had reasonable rates for dockage and the diesel was also reasonable - $2.63/gal. We were surprised that we took on so much fuel – 264 gallons. Our capacity is 300 gallons, so we were practically empty. We’ve been running at a little higher rpm’s since parting company with Second Star and it definitely showed up in our fuel usage. Guess we need to slow down.

After settling it at the marina we grabbed a sandwich at the marina office. It’s a combo marina, gas station, convenience store and quick food place. At one point there was a restaurant, but it is currently closed so eating options were pretty limited.

Later in the day Karen Anne and Potest Fieri arrived. We went over later and had happy hour with them on Karen Anne.

Back at the boat we had a quick dinner, watched a movie and then off to bed.

Leaving the anchorage this morning -- we weren't the last boat to leave. Unusual when you're with a bunch of sailboats.

A house on the point just before the canal

Looking back at where we anchored

We spotted a deer along the shoreline

A shot looking back as we passed through the canal

... and a shot forward as we were about to exit the canal and enter the Alligator River

We met out sistership - another Monk - Andante, as we were crossing the Alligator River. Bill (previous owner of our boat when it was named Integrity) had e-mailed us and said to be on the lookout for them ... and there they were, hailing us on the radio.

Aproaching the swing bridge for Highway 64. This is one of the main roads leading to the Outer Banks.

At the Alligator Marina, they have a replica of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse